Natural England

23 January 2008

We must consider the potential negative effect the harnessing of energy from the tidal range of the Severn Estuary may have on both the environment as a whole and on one of the most important conservation sites in Europe¹, said Natural England today (Wednesday 23 January).

Responding to John Hutton’s announcement to undertake a feasibility study into harnessing energy from the tidal range of the Severn Estuary, Natural England also urges the Government to include the role that all renewable energy technologies and energy conservation may play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a national level. Natural England urges the Government to commission a national strategic plan for renewables.

The study must also assess all the consequences that any development in the Severn may have on the environment and society. To do this it has to look beyond the immediate impact of a barrage or a lagoon, for example. Also, a large engineering development would act as a catalyst for a much wider set of developments in the area and beyond. Any associated developments will carry an environmental and a carbon cost which needs to be assessed as part of the feasibility study.

"Dr Helen Phillips, Chief Executive of Natural England said: "I would hate to think that our generation would be accused of desecrating one of the environmental wonders of the South West to build a white elephant across the Severn. We've got to get this right."

"The study needs to take into account the role of all renewable energy technologies and energy conservation across the country. This must be combined with a wide ranging and full strategic environment assessment of the options in the Severn Estuary including any knock on effects from mineral extraction, new roads and other built development. Only once we have this information will we be able to understand fully whether the options being proposed for the Severn are the best for society."

"There is little doubt that climate change is the greatest threat faced by the natural environment and we must do everything we can to reduce it's impact, especially by reducing carbon emissions and promoting uptake of renewable energy in appropriate locations."

"But to get the right renewable energy produced in the right places, our decisions must be fully informed," Dr Phillips concluded.

¹ The Severn Estuary is a winter home to thousands of ducks, geese and wading birds such as dunlin and is one of the most important nature conservation sites in Europe. It has the second largest tidal range in the world and plays a crucial global role in hosting wetland birds.